The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati is poised to inaugurate a ₹3 crore Food Processing Incubation Centre, a landmark initiative supported by the Central and State governments. This facility, one of only three such centers in India, is designed to enhance the value of local agricultural produce, particularly fruits and vegetables, through advanced processing technologies.
Cutting-Edge Facilities for High-Value Processing
The center will specialize in processing mangoes, tomatoes, lemons, dragon fruit, figs (anjeer), sapota (chikoo), and guava, with capabilities including:
- Mango and tomato extraction
- Lemon drying
- Nannari juice preparation
- Pulp processing (up to 10 tonnes per day from 20 tonnes of fruit)
Processed products will be marketed under the “Swastra” brand, while farmers can also use their own brands with priority access and expert support.
Strengthening Market Linkages and Farmer Income
To ensure better commercialization, IIT Tirupati will sign MoUs with industry players, improving market access and profitability for farmers. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit Chittoor, Annamayya, and Nellore districts, which are major producers of:
- 4.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes annually (Chittoor district alone)
- 1.5 lakh tonnes of tomatoes (exported from Chittoor & Annamayya)
- High lemon production (Nellore ranks among India’s top districts)
Reducing Post-Harvest Losses & Boosting Rural Economy
India loses ₹1.52 lakh crore annually due to post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables (NABARD, 2023). By providing large-scale processing, packaging, and branding support, this center will help farmers minimize waste and maximize profits, driving rural development in Rayalaseema.
The IIT Tirupati Food Processing Incubation Centre is a transformative step toward modernizing agriculture, reducing waste, and increasing farmers’ income. By bridging the gap between production and market demand, this facility will empower farmers, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth in Andhra Pradesh’s key agricultural regions.
